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Tours in Chicago |
Sightseeing Overview
Chicago is a wonderful combination of arts, architecture and American life. A good orientation point is the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph, which occupies an entire block and contains the Chicago Office of Tourism. Originally built as a library and completed in 1897, it provides a good introduction to the city's architectural heritage. The building itself is grand, with the world's largest Tiffany dome and three floors (joined by a great staircase) of beautiful rooms with displays and information.
Just across the street is one of the city's newest attractions, Millennium Park. Brimming with Frank Gehry architecture and interactive art, it is a verdant oasis in the summer. In winter, ice skaters swirl around its outdoor rink.
Art galleries are clustered on both the Magnificent Mile and at River North. Find the latest information on art exhibits in Chicago Gallery News (website: www.chicagogallerynews.com), available at any of the galleries.
If the weather is pleasant, visitors can take in the beach resort feel of the city. Monroe, Montrose and Burnham harbours are popular working and pleasure spots with yacht clubs and other services. While away a day at Lincoln Park, sunbathe and people-watch at Oak Street Beach, located on the north side of the town's Gold Coast, or take your canine to romp at the ‘doggy beach,' located between Montrose and Belmont.
To experience the ‘City of Big Shoulders' (Carl Sandburg) skyline, take a ride on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, travel south down North Lake Shore Drive, or look toward the city at North Avenue Beach. One of the best ground level glimpses of the Wrigley Building and the Loop is at the Chicago River Michigan Avenue Bridge. And if you still want to see more, visit one of the old reliables - the Sears Tower Skydeck or the John Hancock Observatory.
Just across the street is one of the city's newest attractions, Millennium Park. Brimming with Frank Gehry architecture and interactive art, it is a verdant oasis in the summer. In winter, ice skaters swirl around its outdoor rink.
Art galleries are clustered on both the Magnificent Mile and at River North. Find the latest information on art exhibits in Chicago Gallery News (website: www.chicagogallerynews.com), available at any of the galleries.
If the weather is pleasant, visitors can take in the beach resort feel of the city. Monroe, Montrose and Burnham harbours are popular working and pleasure spots with yacht clubs and other services. While away a day at Lincoln Park, sunbathe and people-watch at Oak Street Beach, located on the north side of the town's Gold Coast, or take your canine to romp at the ‘doggy beach,' located between Montrose and Belmont.
To experience the ‘City of Big Shoulders' (Carl Sandburg) skyline, take a ride on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, travel south down North Lake Shore Drive, or look toward the city at North Avenue Beach. One of the best ground level glimpses of the Wrigley Building and the Loop is at the Chicago River Michigan Avenue Bridge. And if you still want to see more, visit one of the old reliables - the Sears Tower Skydeck or the John Hancock Observatory.
Tourist Information
Chicago Office of Tourism
Chicago Cultural Center
77 East Randolph
Tel: (312) 744 2400 or 1 877 244 2246/CHICAGO.
Website: www.choosechicago.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-1700 and Sun 1100-1700.
Other tourist information offices are located at Chicago Waterworks, 163 East Pearson Street, open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, 0730-1900 and at
Millennium Park Welcome Center, 201 East Randolph , in the Northwest Exelon Pavilion, open Apr-Sep 0900-1900; Oct-Mar 1000-1600. There are also kiosks at Navy Pier, open Sun-Thurs 1000-2200, Fri-Sun 1000-2400, and Sears on State, 2 North State; open Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1200-1700.
Additional information is available from Illinois Tourism (tel: 1 800 226 66328; website: www.enjoyillinois.com).
Visitor information is also available at airports and Union Station.
Chicago Cultural Center
77 East Randolph
Tel: (312) 744 2400 or 1 877 244 2246/CHICAGO.
Website: www.choosechicago.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-1700 and Sun 1100-1700.
Other tourist information offices are located at Chicago Waterworks, 163 East Pearson Street, open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, 0730-1900 and at
Millennium Park Welcome Center, 201 East Randolph , in the Northwest Exelon Pavilion, open Apr-Sep 0900-1900; Oct-Mar 1000-1600. There are also kiosks at Navy Pier, open Sun-Thurs 1000-2200, Fri-Sun 1000-2400, and Sears on State, 2 North State; open Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1200-1700.
Additional information is available from Illinois Tourism (tel: 1 800 226 66328; website: www.enjoyillinois.com).
Visitor information is also available at airports and Union Station.
Passes
The CityPass (website: www.citypass.com) offers free admission to six Chicago attractions: Field Museum & Underground Adventure, Museum of Science and Industry plus OMNIMAX, Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, Shedd Aquarium VIP and the Hancock Observatory. It lasts for nine days and can be purchased from the attractions on the day or online in advance. Another pass, the GoChicago Card (tel: 1 800 887 9103; website: www.gochicagocard.com) offers a one to multi-day card for free admissions to over 25 attractions, plus shopping, restaurant and lodging discounts.
View Our Airport Guides for Chicago:
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport
